Who We Are

The City of Santa Barbara through the Community Development Department Administration, Housing and Human Services Division operates the Rental Housing Mediation Program (RHMP). The purpose of the program is to resolve rental housing disputes by offering mediation services, and information on residential Landlord - Tenant rights and responsibilities. Please note, as of July 1, 2017, RHMP services will be provided to residents within the city limits of the following jurisdictions only: City of Santa Barbara, City of Goleta and City of Carpinteria. For referrals to other community resources, which can assist with Landlord/Tenant concerns for properties located within the Santa Barbara County Unincorporated Areas, please contact the Santa Barbara County Housing & Community Development Office at: (805) 568-3520, email hcd@co.santa-barbara.ca.usor visit http://cosb.countyofsb.org/housing/default.aspx?id=4586#Tenant-landlord_Assistance_and_disputes.

Donate & Help

Note: 100% of your tax-exempt donations will go to the RHMP Program. Second Story takes no administrative fee from your donation.

History

The Rental Housing Mediation Program (RHMP) was established in 1976 out of a "Grass Roots" effort to resolve Landlord/Tenant disputes. The RHMP is composed of Staff and a Board of fifteen trained community volunteers who are appointed by the Santa Barbara City Council. Click here for more information about the Board. The RHMP is dedicated to resolving rental housing disputes by offering mediation services and information on Landlord -Tenant rights and responsibilities. The Program, therefore, establishes an effective and efficient alternative to formal court proceedings for the resolution of rental housing disputes. Consequently, the direct effect is the reduction of civil cases that would normally be processed by the county court system.

For more information click on the appropriate language to read our Rental Housing Mediation Program brochure in English or in Spanish.